Massachusetts credit unions voted in unanimous fashion to join forces with the credit unions of New Hampshire and Rhode Island in a merged credit union trade association. The result of that vote, together with similar votes taken earlier this month in New Hampshire and Rhode Island, means that the credit union Leagues in the three states will merge to form the Cooperative Credit Union Association.

The CFPB has finalized a rule allowing financial institutions, including credit unions, to post privacy notices online rather than in paper, if certain conditions are met. This rule simplifies notice requirements for institutions that limit their consumer data-sharing. This rule was proposed in May and generally supported by CUNA and the League; the rule will become effective upon publication in the Federal Register.

Credit unions are built on the time and effort of dedicated volunteers and professionals who work with the members' best interests at heart. In Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island there are many credit union leaders who have devoted many years to improving their individual credit unions as well as the larger credit union system.

Preparations for the 2015 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) are well underway. In addition to political advocacy, the program offers attendees networking opportunities, keynote speakers, industry-focused breakout sessions, and the largest financial services exhibitor showcase.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed into law yesterday House 3954, An Act Relative to the List of Legal Investments prepared by the Commissioner of Banks. The measure improves the investment authority for state chartered credit unions in three ways.

Over sixty representatives from small credit unions in New England and beyond met in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to attend the 7th annual Small Credit Union Conference, and thriving-not just surviving-was on the minds of small credit union leaders.

On October 2, the Massachusetts Division of Banks jointly sponsored a regulatory roundtable with the League for Massachusetts credit unions. League President Paul Gentile facilitated this lively session at which member credit unions directed a number of questions on a wide range of subjects to Commissioner David Cotney and members of his senior staff.

The credit unions of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island will be voting on a plan to merge their three Leagues next month. A voting schedule for each state has been established, which includes the opportunity to vote electronically on a secured website using a unique password or to vote in person at a polling place set in the state in which they are located. (See the schedule shown below.)

The NCUA Board met briefly yesterday to discuss the Temporary Corporate Credit Union Stabilization Fund quarterly report, and issued a final rule regarding several technical amendments. This was the first meeting for new NCUA Board Member Mark McWatters and NCUA Board Member Rick Metsger's first meeting as Vice Chairman.

Visa and MasterCard's efforts to bring chip card technology to the U.S. marketplace were highlighted in an Associate Press article which appeared in the Boston Globe on May 24. The companies both contend that a converting from magnetic stripe card technology to chip cards will eliminate a substantial amount of U.S. card fraud.

A large majority of U.S. military service personnel worry about their income and job security, according to a National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) survey, which was administered in recognition of Military Appreciation Month.

Official figures released by EMVCo show increased adoption of Europay-MasterCard-Visa (EMV) chip technology, with 2.37 billion EMV payment cards in circulation and 36.9 million EMV terminals active worldwide as of the end of 2013.

While negative equity levels continue to decline--as they did for the eighth consecutive quarter in the first quarter, according to Zillow Inc.--millions still find themselves underwater on their mortgages.

The 12 Federal Reserve districts indicated economic activity expanded across most regions and sectors from late November through the end of the year, according to the Fed’s Beige Book which was released on Wednesday, January 15.

Hiring slumped sharply in December, as the economy added only 74,000 jobs, according to the government. This was the weakest month for job growth since January 2011 and came as a huge surprise to economists, who were expecting an addition of 193,000 jobs.

Northeastern University Federal Credit Union, a $30M CU located on Boston’s Northeastern University campus, seeks a strong, dynamic leader who can blend innovation into a great member experience to take this organization to the next level.

A growing full-service community credit union with $23 million in assets serving over 2,600 members from its White River Junction, VT, office is seeking an experienced, progressive, and service-oriented Chief Executive Officer to lead its operation.

Mutual Security Credit Union is searching for an Executive Vice President to support the CEO in implementing progressive technologies, developing innovative products and services, as well as leading membership growth and diversification strategies within the credit union’s core market.

The Credit Union League of Connecticut is seeking a passionate, energetic team player to advance credit unions' role in improving financial stability in the communities served by Connecticut's credit unions as the Director of Community Impact.

First Priority Credit Union is currently looking for an experienced, multi-tasking, well-rounded Technology/Systems Manager to join the management team and be a very visible member of the organization.

America’s Credit Union Museum in Manchester, NH, is looking for a part-time Program Manager to continue our work of improving financial literacy in our schools. This unique role supports credit unions who participate in the CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Program.